named after baltimore's big race in september. it's the second year for this five-week course in which city students build their math skills through activities like racing cars. >> you just get caught up with so much fun that you don't each realize that you're learning anything. >> reporter: other activities include swimming with michael phelps' instructors. >> reporter: after scores from the maryland student assessment showed a drop in math, organizers say this program is essentiality. >> we know -- essential. >> we know for middle school students, math is essential. and we want to hone in on those skills. >> reporter: the federally- funded program is free. >> kids are getting an opportunity to work with math in a real-world context. >> reporter: then jump to the front of the class. >> since they didn't come, i think i'm going to have a lot more hands-on with the skill. so maybe i can help them. >> reporter: andrea fujii, wjz eyewitness news. >> the program is accepting students until the end of the week. to learn more, visit wjz